for this I should be thoroughly censured, if in the presence of the Vicar of Christ, I, a vile little woman, would presume to give such a blessing." The Pope responded: "So that this will not be considered presumption, but even be to your credit, I command you by holy obedience to make the sign of the cross over these loaves of bread, and that you bless them in the name of the Lord."

⁷ As a true daughter of obedience, she blessed those loaves very devoutly, making over them the sign of the cross. This is remarkable: immediately there appeared on all the loaves of bread a most beautiful sign of the cross. Many of these loaves were eaten with great devotion, and many were kept for the future because of the miracle. The Pope, looking with great wonder at the powerful cross made by the spouse of Christ, first gave thanks to God and afterwards consoled blessed Clare with his blessing.^a

⁹ Living in this same monastery were Sister Ortulana, Saint Clare's mother and Sister Agnes, her sister,^b together with many other holy nuns and spouses of Christ, all filled with the Holy Spirit. It was to them that Saint Francis sent many sick people, now to one, now to another of them, so that they would make the sign of the cross over the sick. By virtue of the cross of Christ which they cherished with their whole heart, as many as they blessed with this sign received a healthy remedy.

To the praise and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who is blessed forever. ^{Rom 1:25}
Amen.

XLIII
THE MIRACULOUS REVELATION MADE IN THE HEARTS OF THE HOLY BROTHER GILES AND SAINT LOUIS, KING OF FRANCE^c

¹ Saint Louis, King of France, decided to make a pilgrimage to shrines for seven years. He had heard the truthful rumors of Brother Giles's amazing holiness, and in his heart decided by all means to visit him. Therefore, on his pilgrimage he turned toward Perugia

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